Romania has reported an incursion by a Russian drone, becoming the second NATO member to do so this week after Poland's warnings of similar threats.
On Saturday, Romanian fighter jets were monitoring Russian strikes against Ukraine when they detected the drone approximately 20 km south-west of Chilia Veche, close to the Ukrainian border.
The Romanian Defense Ministry stated that the drone disappeared from radar shortly after detection; however, it did not fly over populated areas, thus reporting that it did not pose an imminent danger. President Zelensky of Ukraine described the incursion as a clear escalation of the conflict, insisting that it could not be a mere mistake.
This week, Poland also responded to a similar situation where it reported having shot down at least three Russian drones that had entered its airspace. In reaction to these incursions, Poland's Prime Minister emphasized the heightened state of readiness of ground-based air defense systems throughout their territory.
This situation has roused significant concern among NATO countries, with immediate responses and preventive measures being prioritized. The Czech Republic has even dispatched military support to Poland as part of a shared commitment to halting Russian advances into NATO’s eastern perimeter.
U.S. President Trump has also indicated a willingness to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, dependent on the actions of NATO countries regarding Russian energy purchases.
The rise in drone activity highlights the dynamic and precarious state of security in Eastern Europe as NATO members continue to grapple with the implications of Russia's military engagement in Ukraine.
